Alumni Chris Brown Starts Scholarship Fund for Students

For alumnus Chris Brown (1971), the journey and transformation of OU’s journalism school from H.H. Herbert to Gaylord College is something to behold.

“It’s a tremendous step forward from when I was in school and the strides they’ve made with mass media,” Brown said.

As someone who worked in recruiting for the university for almost 13 years after graduating, seeing Gaylord College in person and donating to his new “home” gives Brown the same sense of pride as if he’d attended Gaylord himself.

“I believe in paying it forward,” he said. “I was able to get a scholarship and firmly believe in what a crown jewel OU is in the state, so I wanted to help other students who may need some assistance getting through with a scholarship fund.”

It’s no secret that students across the country, and especially Oklahoma, are struggling when it comes to securing funding for higher education. Brown hopes that his scholarship fund not only eases the burden of higher education for students, but also helps them access all of the incredible opportunities that Gaylord offers its students.

“I think that the more people who can get involved with the more ethical parts of media and journalism will benefit our democracy. It will plant a seed that will grow into something else,” he said.

Giving back to the journalism school was always something Brown wanted to eventually do, but his feelings of giving back to Gaylord only intensified when he recently toured the building.

“Lee Reynolds does a wonderful job and is Gaylord’s best cheerleader. She gave me a tour of the building and introduced me to a number of faculty and staff and I am very excited to be a part of the new Gaylord College and how it’s recognized nationally. It only enhances anyone who previously graduated with a journalism degree,” Brown said. “It just made sense to do something now rather than wait to donate through an estate gift.”

Brown hopes to inspire other alumni to do the same.

“I wish that people who had such positive experiences at OU whether then or now understand the need for funding in higher education. It’s up to us to step up to the plate and ensure that the standard of excellence continues. I’d love to see my contemporaries do something, anything.”

Welcome home, Mr. Brown. We’re glad you’re a part of the Gaylord family!

To learn more about how you can visit, tour, or give back to Gaylord College, contact Lee Reynolds at leereynolds@ou.edu.